La Ferme de l'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay: a charming hotel in the heart of the Yvelines countryside

In the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse regional nature park in the Yvelines department, a 15-minute walk from theAbbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay ( now a luxury hotel in a historic setting), La Ferme reveals itself as a secret hamlet on the edge of the woods, nestled in the grounds of this historic estate, carefully renovated by Paris Society.

Since the reopening of the Abbaye in October 2023, this place steeped in history has never ceased to surprise. A year later, the experience continues with a confidential address designed for families and lovers of peace and nature. We swap the hustle and bustle of Paris for country-style rooms with a rustic soul, gourmet meals and encounters with animals in a setting inspired by country houses.

The decor by Corinne Sachot - who also designed CoCo at the Opéra Garnier - transforms each building into a poetic refuge. We marvel at the English wall hangings by Colefax and Fowler, the wicker baskets from the VIME workshop, or the vintage earthenware that adorns the walls as if in childhood memories.

The Farm is organized into four buildings, all accessible by reservation:

• Le Corps de Ferme, with its 18 cosy upstairs rooms, featuring forest views and antiques.

• Le Lavoir, with its 3 single-storey rooms opening onto the terrace, is perfect for total immersion in nature.

• La Grange, with 12 cosy room-cabins, ideal for warming up by the fireplace.

• Le Cottage, the quintessential family home, with its 5 bedrooms, deep living room, floor-tile kitchen... and private garden.

Our room in the farmhouse is spacious, and the decor makes us feel at home in the family residence. Once you've packed your suitcase, all you want to do is explore the estate and its occupants.

What really makes this address so great is the back-to-the-farm feel. You wake up to the sound of birdsong, and children and grown-ups alike run to pet the little goats, feed the rabbits, cross paths with the donkeys and wander among the free-range chickens that peck away at their eggs. These animals, present throughout the day, allow us to reconnect with what's essential, in a setting where time seems suspended.

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When it comes to taste buds, La Trattoria, the Farm's restaurant, is the place to enjoy generous Italian cuisine. In this light-filled dining room, we share pasta and pizzas made by hand under a giant wicker basket chandelier. The pizzas are delicious, and we recommend them.

Please note that each reservation includes a gourmet breakfast. It also includes a buffet snack served in the Trattoria (except on Thursdays, when it is served in the Abbaye).

Betty's Bar, a tribute to Betty de Rothschild, welcomes you all day long in three lounges for a piano aperitif or a drink by the fire. On sunny days, you can also opt for the huge open-air terrace in the heart of the farmhouse.

For the more playful, a cosy games room adds a playful touch to the experience. Billiards, table soccer and board games await young and old in a woodsy, subdued, club-like atmosphere, perfect for prolonging evenings with family or friends, in the warmth of nature.

And since a stay at the farm also gives you access to the entire Domaine de l'Abbaye, the possibilities are endless. You can borrow one of the bicycles provided, take a walk in the shade of the forest to reach the Abbey, or take the shuttle bus, on request, which will take you there all day.

At theAbbey, you're free to take advantage of the many activities on offer, including pedalos, boat trips, an all-you-can-eat gaming room, a kids' club, karaoke, a private cinema and an open-air swimming pool with SPA. What's more, there are several restaurants, bars and terraces where you can relax in the sun or in the shade. At weekends, a gargantuan brunch (probably the biggest we've ever seen), Harry Potter Hogwarts-style, is on offer.

In short, if you're looking for the perfect place to go green without having to travel far from Paris, if you're a tourist who loves nature and the bucolic charm of a country farm, here's an immersive experience that should appeal to you. Whether it's an Easter weekend, a May bank holiday or a romantic getaway for two, Ferme de l'Abbaye ticks all the boxes. A giant brunch, Olympics, fun and creative workshops, pony rides and other original activities await families this Easter weekend.

This address is aimed at a more affluent clientele or those looking for an exceptional experience to mark the occasion. Prices vary according to the day and month, so it's a good idea to go during the week.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please mention it in the comments.